J&K Hydro Projects: Salal, Ratle & Sawalkot on Chenab

Syllabus: Water Resources and Infrastructure

Ministry of Power

Why in news?

Union Power Minister reviewed Salal, Sawalkot, and Ratle hydroelectric projects in J&K. Emphasized sediment removal at Salal in context of Indus Waters Treaty.

⚛️Static Concepts

Indus Waters Treaty 1960Run-of-the-River ProjectsWestern vs Eastern Rivers

📌

Prelims-Oriented Points

Salal Project: Run-of-the-river on Chenab (Reasi Dist). Problem: Silt accumulation. Action: Sediment removal (IWT compliant).
Ratle Project: 850 MW on Chenab (Kishtwar). Run-of-the-river.
Sawalkot Project: 1856 MW on Chenab. Under construction.
Indus Waters Treaty (1960): Chenab is a 'Western River' allocated to Pakistan, but India can generate hydro power (Run-of-River) with limited storage.

⚠️

Examiner's Trap: India cannot build DAMS on Western Rivers? India CAN builds dams for Run-of-the-River projects (generating power without holding water for long durations).

Quick Data Points

Sawalkot Capacity: 1856 MW

Ratle: Kishtwar District

Salal: Reasi District

Mains Value Addition

GS-1: Geography; GS-2: IR (Water Treaties).

Energy Security: J&K has massive hydro potential (Chenab basin) crucial for Northern Grid.
Strategic Compliance: Developing projects strictly within IWT scope prevents arbitration while utilizing rights.
Sediment Management: Critical for longevity of reservoirs like Salal.

Source

Press Information Bureau (PIB)